Chapter 309

Shanley stared at Melvin. Melvin stared back. The ride to the hospital was going to be awkward. They had been at each other’s throats before, but now they were in the same boat, and it was a boat with only one car left to take them back. The silence was deafening.
“So Melvin broke the silence first, running a hand through his hair. “Get in.”
“Alright.” Shanley didn’t argue. He opened the passenger door and got in.
The car was quiet, the only sound the low hum of the engine.
“Ahem Melvin cleared his throat, then pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and offered one to Shanley.
“I quit. Juniper doesn’t like the smell,” Shanley said, declining.
Ever since he’d learned that Melvin was following in his footsteps, Shanley felt a renewed sense of confidence. They were both robbing the cradle; neither had the moral high ground.
“Oh.” Melvin paused for a moment, then tossed the pack into the glove compartment with a wry smile. “You really listen to my sister, huh?”
“I have to,” Shanley said, adjusting his tie. “It’s an old Schwartz family saying: listen to your wife, and you’ll prosper.”
Melvin nearly lost his grip on the steering wheel. “Your family has… some interesting rules,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. It seemed his sister wouldn’t be pushed around if she married into that family.
“Bro,” Shanley began after a moment, his voice casual, “about that whole cradle- robbing thing
The comment hit Melvin right where it hurt. He remembered how harshly he had judged Shanley, and now… karma was a funny thing.
“Ahem Melvin coughed to cover his embarrassment. “When it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes things are out of our control. As long as you’re good to Juniper, age isn’t an issue.”
Shanley watched him, fighting the urge to laugh. He decided to spare his future brother-in-law some dignity. “You’re right,” he nodded in agreement. “Love can overcome anything, especially age.”
“Exactly,” Melvin said, a look of relief on his face. He lifted a hand, and Shanley met it with his own in a gesture of solidarity. The two old men had reached an understanding.
“By the way,” Melvin said, a thoughtful expression crossing his face, “how did you win my sister over?”
Given her prickly personality, it was a miracle she let Shanley get close at all.
“I guess Shanley thought for a moment, à fond smile gracing his lips didn’t really. have to do much,
I jus brought her food, turned on the charm
“The charm?” Melvin scoffed. “My sister isn’t the type to fall for a pretty face.”
Shanley just looked at him, saying nothing.
Melvin’s confidence wavered under his silent gaze. Wait… was his sister really that shallow?
“Girls her age are easily swayed by a handsome face.” Shanley said with a soft laugh. “You might want to ditch the biker look. It can be a little intimidating.”
“Right.” Melvin got the hint. “We should grab a drink sometime,” he offered.
“Let’s make it dinner,” Shanley replied. “Juniper doesn’t like it when I drink, either.”
Melvin just shook his head. His sister really knew how to run a tight ship.
…
Meanwhile, in the other car, Janet sat hunched in a corner, anxiously picking at her fingers—a nervous habit she had when she was upset.
“What’s wrong?” Juniper asked gently. “Did you do poorly on the exam?”
“No, it went well,” Janet lied. She didn’t want to worry Juniper. The Wilcox family was not to be trifled with, and even though Juniper had Mr. Schwartz to protect her, they weren’t married yet. She was afraid that if the Wilcox family started spreading rumors, they would drag Juniper into it and tarnish her reputation with the Schwartz family.
“Good,” Juniper said. She knew Janet was lying but didn’t call her out on it.